Rectal Cancer

(Cancer of the Rectum)

Definition

Rectal cancer is cancer in the rectum, the last part of the large intestine. The rectum allows waste to pass through the anal canal and out of the body.

Causes

Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. Eventually, these uncontrolled cells form a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant growths. These growths invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. It is not clear exactly what causes these problems in the cells, but is probably a combination of genetics and the environment.

Risk Factors

Being over 50 years of age increases your chance of rectal cancer. Other factors that may increase your chance of rectal cancer include:

Genetics

History of colon or rectal cancer, or polyps

Family history of colon or rectal cancer, especially a parent, sibling, or child

Pelvic exenteration—Removal of rectum, anal canal, and nearby organs with cancer, such as the prostate, uterus, or bladder.

Some surgeries may require temporary or permanent colostomies. A colostomy is a surgical opening through the wall of the abdomen into the colon. This is used as a path for waste material to leave the body. After a colostomy, you will wear a special bag to collect body waste. If the bladder is removed, you will also need a urostomy. A urostomy is an opening in the abdominal wall that allows for the passage of urine.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation
is used
to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It is directed at the site of the tumor from a source outside the body.
This therapy is aimed at the immediate area of the cancer.
It is used alone or with
chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy

This therapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be given in many forms, including pill, injection, and via a catheter. Drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing cancer cells. They can also kill healthy cells. This therapy is systemic, meaning it affects your entire body.

Medications

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses medications to target and kill cancer cells, while sparing healthy tissue. They are currently used to treat advanced cancers. Targeted therapy is less harmful to healthy tissue, which reduces side effects. It may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.

Other Medications

Some medications can be used as part of a treatment plan. Other medications may help to either prevent or reduce side effects of treatments, or to manage certain side effects if they occur. These include:

Corticosteroids

Blood stem cell support medications

Anti-nausea medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen

Opioids

Tell your doctor when you notice a new symptom, and ask if any of these medications are right for you.

Prevention

Screening

The causes of most cancers are not known. However, it is possible to prevent many colon and rectal cancers by finding and removing polyps that could become cancerous. Beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk should follow one of the following screening options:

Colonoscopy every 10 years

Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years

CT colonography every 5 years

Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years

Stool DNA test every 3 years

Annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT)

Annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

People with any of the following risk factors should begin colon and rectal cancer screening earlier and/or undergo screening more often:

African Americans or Native Americans

Strong family history of colon or rectal cancer, or polyps

Family history of hereditary colon or rectal cancer syndromes

History of colon or rectal cancer, or adenomatous polyps

History of chronic inflammatory bowel disease

Be sure to discuss colon cancer screening with your doctor to see how and when you should be screened.

Lifestyle Changes

There are also lifestyle changes that may reduce your risk of rectal cancer. These include:

Not smoking

Drinking alcohol in moderation—no more than 2 drinks a day if you are a man, and no more than 1 drink a day if you are a woman

Eating a
healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in red meat

Being physically active by exercising at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.